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Vlad

A suit is more than just fabric joined together. It’s a physical representation of pretending to be a gentleman. The clean lines and expensive tailoring build up the facade, so Maximoff Mikhailov believes I respect his position as Pakhan and won’t defile his granddaughter as soon as my ring is on her finger.He’s not wrong to come to the assumption based on my image, I have no interest in fucking her beyond our agreement, and I fight a smile seeing that he’s added my clause.

I haven’t bowed my head to read over the document, only my eyes have moved, and I flick them back up, meeting his eyes. He may be at the top of the hierarchy, but that seat is mine. The door that leads to the head of the Bratva is placed between his granddaughter’s legs, and I gently tap my finger on the clause that will be her exit before I sign. I don’t look at my idiotic brother. He doesn’t even know that it was always supposed to be his name on this specific line, but his teenage whoring has forced me to marry the woman I’d orchestrated to be his bride.

Maximoff collects the document and raises his hand, signaling it’s time to bring in the show pony. The theatrics are too much, and I don’t look around his large conference-style room as though he’s an upstanding businessman. He may own Maximoff Media and have his fingers in everyone’s fucking pies, but it doesn’t pique my interest. What does, steps into the room. Her hair is extra shiny, and she carries more confidence than she should for a nineteen-year-old naive girl. Her eyes instantly go to my shithead little brother, with him being the closest in age, and I clear my throat, loving the way she loses some of that hope.

At thirty-three, I should be into the next phase of my life, or dead, but she’s too young, and the rest of her family are fucking imbeciles. Being linked to them will cause more harm to my carefully crafted reputation, and Inessa is good to look at. She’ll make the perfect doll with her vintage beauty and lend me the power of her name until she’s not needed.

Coming to my side, she stands opposite her grandfather and lowers to kiss his cheek three times. The old fuck shows the most emotion I’ve ever seen as he holds his hand out, gesturing to me, “You may speak privately before the Vartanov’s leave.”

He pulls his chair back, guiding my brothers out, and the princess stands strong, waiting for them to leave.She may have lost confidence slightly on her walk over, but she blanches now. I’m aware of my reputation, I built it from below ground, and I revel in it.

It’s no different now. If she’s heard the rumors about our family, it will help my cause, so she doesn’t develop any fantasies about gaining power. I don’t let her speak first. She’s nothing more than a tool, and my voice is cold, killing any romantic notions she holds. “Have you been fucked before?”

I’ve been the cause of many people losing their tongues. It’s never been without blood before as she blinks wide-eyed, giving her answer in silence.

Tapping on the table lightly, I give her an order that most women in her position would love. “I don’t have the patience for a virgin. You have until the engagement is announced to fix your situation.”

She comes back to life and drops the regal act, and disgust shines through her features as she spits out, “You’re a pig.”

I don’t correct her assumption and stand buttoning my jacket. I thought she was taller. Her heels are at least four inches, but she only comes to my shoulder. Tracing her body with my eyes, I have to tilt my head to see her ass. She isn’t wearing a skin-tight dress, but it has my appreciation, and it’s a shame I won’t be taking it off.

“Make sure you use a condom. I don’t want you bringing anything into our marriage.” Giving my parting advice, I go to leave when her hand comes up.

Catching her wrist easily, I look to the side, and my lips lift with pride. It’s not her open palm beside my face but a fist. She’s strong. However misplaced it is. Anger has Inessa resorting to a verbal attack, venom lacing between her words. “You’re a deranged fucking pric?—”

Gripping her throat, I don’t let go of her arm and bend her backward, so she’s lying against the table. The abrupt move cuts her dirty mouth off as I lean over her.

“Watch your language. I won’t tolerate anything but your respect.”

Holding her jaw shut when her eyes blaze, I keep being nice and offer her help she doesn’t need. “If you’re struggling to find someone willing to fuck you, I’ll call my brothers back to break you in.”

Fear wars with her anger, and she goes limp, giving up already. Her fight was interesting, but like everything else that makes Inessa, she doesn’t have the follow through unless her grandfather is standing beside her.

Stepping back, I let go of her and adjust my suit. There’s no sound coming from her body laid against the table, and she doesn’t follow me out, being obstinate already. Inessa Mikhailovya is too expressive. There’s life in her eyes that won’t survive in the Bratva. Especially since she’s now mine to use and discard.

Maximoff’s suspicious gaze lands on me as soon as I step out of his office. I collect my brothers before he can check on Inessa and try to come to her defense. Keeping in step with me, eager to get away, they’re both silent until we get in the car. Vitali is always the baby and whining. “I should have been the one to marry her. She’s beautiful, and we’d look better together than you do.”

I’ve literally given him the shirt off my back, but the thought of sharing my wife leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.